Minority Leader Rips President Mahama Over CJ's Removal
Akwatia ,Ghana,September 2,2025 - Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the Minority Leader in Parliament, has strongly criticized the removal of Justice Gertrude Torkornoo as Chief Justice and Justice on the Supreme Court bench, describing it as an "assault on Ghana's democracy".
Speaking to journalists in Akwatia on Tuesday, Afenyo-Markin questioned the legitimacy of the process that led to her removal, specifically pointing out the Pwamang Committee's decision to dismiss her without completing its investigation.
Afenyo-Markin expressed concerns over the committee's handling of the matter, stating, "You claim that you have charges against the Chief Justice. You are done with count one, counts two and three are not concluded, and then you dismiss the person. That's the work of the Pwamang Committee? That's what Pwamang did as a judge?" He emphasized that the process was flawed and undermined the principles of democracy.
The Minority Leader’s remarks have been supported by former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Nii Ayikoi Otoo, who argued that Justice Torkornoo had committed no wrong. Otoo claimed that the committee ignored established judicial travel policies when considering allegations linked to her entitlements, further questioning the legitimacy of the removal process.
The removal of Justice Torkornoo has sparked mixed reactions, with Afenyo-Markin warning that it could have far-reaching implications for Ghana's democracy. He emphasized the need for an independent judiciary, stating that the current actions undermine the country's democratic institutions. The incident has also raised concerns about the potential for political interference in the judiciary and the impact on the rule of law in Ghana.
Source – Lead News Online/Shiela Amerley Biala
